My wife and I first met Dave and Katy when they moved to the town of Gridley, Ill - population about 500 people.  Dave was transferred from the Fabral plant in Lancaster to Gridley to become the lead foreman.

Dave probably outworked at least three men.  Jeanette, my wife, took Katy under her wing.  Gridley, Ill. was certainly "different" than Lancaster or Lititz, Pa.   We would spend time with them on Saturday nights with our two young daughters in tow.  After some play time, the girls were laid down to sleep in Dave and Katy's bed, and the adults would play cards until 11 or 12 o'clock.

Regarding "family" at that early time, Katy wanted children, David not so much.  My wife and I planned an anniversary get away to St. Louis for a weekend.  Of course Katy said David and she would be glad to take care of the girls.  She was setting her trap for David.  About one year later, a baby boy.

Both Dave and Katy passed away much too early.  Miss them both.

There are no words to say how sorry we are for your loss. David was such a kind man. 

With Love,

The Bell Family 

Dear Landis family, 

I'm so sorry to learn of David's passing. 

I'm a friend from his Juniata days. I'm not sure when I met David, but I do remember the day I met Katie. Less than a week after we both arrived at Juniata, Katie became my best friend.  I remember the "making donuts in the parking lot" incident and also remember asking Katie something like, "Are you sure about this guy?"  But she was sure and it was clear from the start that they were deeply in love. 

After Katie's sudden death, I was so happy to learn that David had found love again with Denise. I  enjoyed staying in touch with them through Christmas cards. 

May you find peace in the beautiful memories that you have of your wonderful and fun loving dad and husband.

Mardi Frye

Sharing on behalf of Barrie and Jeanette Schmid

A memory of Dave Landis When Employed with Fabral:

In the mid 1970's a young Dave and Katie Landis arrived in Gridley, Ill. a town of 5 by 9 blocks and a surrounding community of approximately 900 individuals. Quite an adjustment for a young married couple coming from family and Lancaster county. 

Dave had been given a management position at our Gridley, Ill. facility.

We called and advised we and our two daughters would stop by for a visit and give them a "lay of the land". It did not take long for a the short visits to become a strong friendship. One we cherished.

Early on, Katie told my wife David was not "ready" to talk about starting a family.

Jeanette and I went on an anniversary vacation to St. Louis, Dave and Katie kept the girls for three days.

Shortly after this, I was asked to return to the Lancaster facility to take on another position.

For nine months, I was back and forth between Lancaster and Gridley. I know Dave and Katie helped my wife with the girls. We would always spend some time on weekends with them.

The night before my family had to leave to go east, we got to meet Andrew Landis, Katie and my wife cried that night. A number of years later, Dave and Katie returned to Lancaster with Drew, Zach, and Ben. We renewed our friendship. 

 Then Dave took a position with another company that took the family to Georgia.

After Katie's death, we were so happy Dave found love again with Denise.

I was a Deacon with Dave at Parkview Church. I always enjoyed being around him. He was just a great person to talk to. One of the things we always talked about doing was going to the Army Navy Game. I know he went but he and I never made it. I moved to SC in 2010 but would still see him and talk to him on occasion and the conversation always got to the Army Navy football game. Hey Dave. Maybe we can watch it in Heaven one day when I get there. Save me a seat. 

Billy Oates

Prayers for all of the families of David Landis! Thank you, Lord for his life!  It brought smiles to hear others have the same feelings that we did about David.  His pleasant low-key manner, always with a smile, just made you relax!  Samaritans Purse is a wonderful Christian organization to choose.  It is headed by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham.  Emily Landis’ parent's. She is married to Drew Landis and they have three children.  We are so proud of all of them!  Wonderful obituary that you wrote of your dad Drew!

“If grief is the price we pay for love, the weight of our sorrow is a testament to the depth of our affection.” 

R.I.P Mr. Dave

When we were invited to gatherings with Ricki and Roland when we were blessed to meet Dave and Denise. We always left with smiles and laughter in our hearts because of the fun we had. 

When Denise and Dave decided to move I sensed Denise was stressed and offered to help them with distribution of their unwanted positions. I often mentioned to Dave that if they ever were interested in selling the hardware apothecary I would be interested. And so when he wanted to part with it I bought it. I was also gifted a treasure of the most unusual 1926 icebox. I bought items and was gifted many. I knew many people that contacted them and bought some of their other possessions. 

We did have an opportunity to visit them in St. Augustine, their beautiful new home, Fin and enjoyed dinner at The Raintree. That was August of 2024. 

Dave’s name will always bring a smile to my face and Sweet Denise, how he loved you! Ricki and I will make a road trip to visit you sometime after July. Love and Prayers, Victoria. 

How we loved Dave! A business relationship turned into a 30 year friendship. The type of friendship that comes along rarely in life.

He loved his family like few people we’ve ever known. He lived life well. To the end, he was a great example for all of us.

Praying for the Landis Family.  

Mr. Landis, may you rest in peace sir.  You raised Drew to be an awesome man.